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Alpaca Supply and Demand

The market for alpacas has been moderated by the effects of
relatively slow herd growth. As of late 2007, the total population of
registered alpacas in North America is over 100,000.

Supply will continue to be limited in the near future for a number of reasons:

Alpacas reproduce slowly. A female generally breeds for the
first time between 18-24 months of age, is pregnant for 11-12 months,
and almost always only has one cria per year.

Many breeders retain their offspring to build their herds.

The limited size of the national herds in each country outside of South America will restrain growth to a small degree.

The U.S. alpaca registry is closed to further importation to
protect our national herd, which will further moderate U.S. herd growth.

Meanwhile, demand for alpacas has increased dramatically every year
since their introduction outside of South America (1984). Not only are
there more breeders entering the alpaca market each year in established
countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the U.S., but there
are more countries worldwide also actively establishing alpaca herds.
This growth is sure to continue as the alpaca gains international
recognition.

Alpacas offer an outstanding choice for livestock ownership. They
have long been known as the aristocrat of all ranch animals. Most of
all, alpacas have a charismatic manner, they do very well on small
acreage, and they produce a luxury product which is high in demand.